SOUTH AFRICA - 23 DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS / INCLUSIVE / EXCLUSIVE / HEALTH / DEPARTURES / PRICES / MAPS

   DAY 1: HOME - JOHANNESBURG20 Km
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will be met by a representative of Perceptions of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Mealplan:  

Overnight:  Birchwood Hotel 

DAY 2: SOWETO - PRETORIA200 Km
We will travel to Soweto where we will visit the Hector Peterson Museum. Hector Peterson was the first black boy that was shot by the Police during the 1976 uprisings.  We will enjoy a cup of coffee in Vizilikazi Street, the only street where 2 Nobel Prize winners resided - Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

We will travel to Pretoria for a city tour of the Administrative capital of South Africa.  We will visit the Voortrekker Monument, Church Square, Union buildings, (Government) and drive through the streets lined with Jacaranda trees before returning to the hotel.

Mealplan:  Breakfast, Hector Peterson Museum, Voortrekker Monumemt, Welcome Dinner  

Overnight:  Birchwood Hotel 

DAY 3: JOHANNESBURG - TIMBAVATI460 Km
We will have an early departure and travel across the Highveld to Mpumalanga Province.  On the way we will travel along maize fields and grass plains.  We will pass through little towns like Belfast, Dullstroom and Lydenburg.

We will cross over the Abel Erasmus Pass to reach the low lying area known as the Lowveld.

You will have the opportunity to go on an optional sunset safari.

Mealplan: Breakfast. 

Overnight: Timbavati Safari Lodge / Kubu Lodge

Optional: Sunset Safari
DAY 4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK  200 Km
Today is your first introduction to the world-renowned game parks and the many wild animals of South Africa (unless you already went on an optional safari last night). Our lodge in Hoedspruit is located on the edge of the Kruger Park – an ideal location from which to explore the Kruger Park together!

We leave early so that you have ample opportunity to see as many different wild animals as possible. We explore the park by open 4WD! A professional ranger will explain and spot the enormous variety of game with a keen eye. Of course today we try to spot the impressive 'Big Five' in its entirety: an exciting challenge.
We are on the road for a full day and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

Mealplan: Packed Breakfast, Picknic lunch, Full day Safari in open vehicles.

Overnight: Timbavati / Kubu Lodge

DAY 5: TIMBAVATI - PANORAMA ROUTE - HAZYVIEW 210 Km
We will cross over the Abel Erasmus pass in order to reach the Blyde River Canyon (third largest Canyon in the world).  We will visit the viewpoint at the Three Rondavels - three peaks that look like traditional African huts.

We will visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet.  We will visit the viewpoint at God’s Window from where you will get a commanding view over the Lowveld.

After lunch in Graskop we will decent down the Kowyn's Pass to Hazyview.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Gods Window

Overnight: Gecko Lodge / Numbi Hotel 

DAY 6: HAZYVIEW - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - ESWATINI310 Km
Today we leave Hazyview and drive through Kruger Park to eSwatini.

We will visit Matsamo Cultural Village where we learn everything about the culture, dance and song of the Swazi. A nice way to get acquainted with the lifestyle of the local inhabitants. After the formalities at the border, we drive towards Mbabane, the capital of eSwatini.

Enormous plateaus protrude above the country and alternate with green valleys and forest landscapes.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Visit Matsamo Cultural Village, Mlilwane

Overnight: Mlilwane

DAY 7: MBABANE - HLUHLUWE 280 Km
We will visit a local craft market and candle factory. We leave eSwatini on the south side and enter South Africa at the province of KwaZulu Natal, the land of the Zulus. Admire the beautiful route and watch the daily life of the farm workers pass you by.

In the afternoon we arrive at our lodge near Hluhluwe National Park. The park may be less famous than the Kruger Park, but it is certainly no less beautiful! It is also the habitat of the rare black rhinoceros.

The next two nights you will stay in an attractive safari lodge near the Hluhluwe Park. Enjoy the special place, the beautiful sunset and the serene tranquility that emanates from the natural environment.

Mealplan: Breakfast,

Overnight: Ezulwini Game Lodge / Elephant Lake Hotel

DAY 8: HLUHLUWE NATIONAL PARK, ST LUCIA240 Km
We will make a safari in an open vehicle after an early breakfast when the animals are best seen when it is still cool. The professional ranger will search for the 'Big Five' (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses and buffaloes). Don't forget to also keep an eye out for the other interesting animals that live here, such as hippos, hyenas, giraffes and rare birds.

The Hluhluwe National Park is the oldest park in South Africa and has a high density of game. The chance that you see wild animals is therefore very high!

Not far from Hluhluwe is the charming town of St. Lucia, right on the coast.  We will make a scenic boat cruise on Lake St. Lucia, which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly the St. Lucia Reserve) – one of the few parks in the world with five different ecosystems. It is the domain of more than eight hundred hippos and a thousand crocodiles. So prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip: there is a chance that from the boat you will see the crocodiles lying on the banks and encounter the large groups of hippos that live in the lake.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Hluhluwe Safari

Overnight: Ezulwini Game Lodge / Elephant Lake Hotel

DAY 9: HLUHLUWE - SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG 540 Km
We will have an early morning departure for a long drive.  We will travel south-west towards Durban from where we will follow the N3 in a northernly direction towards Howick where we will visit the Howick waterfall before lunch.  Be overwhelmed by the beautiful surroundings and the force with which the water of the Umgeni River crashes down from a 95 meter high cliff.

After lunch we will visit the Nelson Mandela Capture site.

Nelson Mandela was arrested here in 1962 for his fight against Apartheid, after which 'Madiba' lived in captivity on Robben Island for the greater part of his 27 years of imprisonment. See the impressive tubular steel artwork, erected in 2012 in commemoration of this event. Also visit the small museum. There you will learn more about this special man who has meant so much to South Africa.

At the end of the day we will arrive at our hotel in the Drakensberg.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Mandela Capture Site

Overnight: Drakensberg Gardens / Sani Pass Hotel

DAY 10:  SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG (SANI PASS)180 Km
You have a wonderful day off.

Settle down on a lounger by the pool or take a walk through the beautiful surroundings. The Drakensberg is ideal for longer or shorter hikes, horseback riding or quad biking (optional).

You can also take a special organized excursion over the Sani Pass to the lesser-known kingdom of Lesotho (optional excursion). The Sani Pass itself is actually an attraction in itself. The truly magnificent mountain pass is therefore on the list of 'must do's' for many travelers. Once you pass the South African border post at the base of the mountain pass, the driver slowly navigates the 4WD up a steep, winding gravel road. Around you, the pristine landscape becomes increasingly dry. At the top, at an altitude of over 2865 meters, we arrive at the border post of the kingdom of Lesotho (so take your passport with you). Here is also the highest restaurant in South Africa. Enjoy a cup of coffee here, and admire the view of Lesotho on one side and South Africa on the other.

The organized day trip over the Sani Pass to Lesotho is an unforgettable experience. For many travelers, the fascinating Sani Pass is on the list of absolute 'must dos'. Don't forget to bring your passport as you will be leaving South African territory for a short time.

Mealplan: Breakfast,

Overnight: Drakensberg Gardens / Sani Pass Hotel

Optional Excursion: Sani Pass by 4WD (lunch included) 
 DAY 11:  DRAKENSBERG - EAST LONDON530 Km 
Today is a long travel day to the Eastern Cape. On the way we make a stop in Mthatha, close to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and see how the Xhosa culture is still very much present in this area. At the end of the afternoon we arrive in the Wild Coast, a lesser known region of South Africa, but certainly no less beautiful. The Xhosa tribe lives in this region and we enjoy beautiful scenery.

Mealplan: Breakfast,

Overnight: Umnenga Lodge / Crawfords Beach Lodge

DAY 12:  INKWENKWESI 
Today you have the opportunity to take a safari through the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve (optional excursion).

Afternoon at leisure to take a walk on the beach

Mealplan:  Breakfast,

Overnight: Umnenga Lodge / Crawfords Beach Lodge

 

DAY 13: WILD COAST - GRAAFF REINET420 Km
We will leave the coast behind and travel inland to the picturesque Graaff Reinet.

In the afternoon there is an opportunity to visit the Camdeboo National Park where you will get commanding views over the Valley of Desolation.

Mealplan:  Breakfast,

Overnight: Karoopark Guest House

 

 

DAY 14: GRAAFF REINET - CAPE ST FRANCIS380 Km
We will travel to Addo National Park where we will make an open vehicle game drive. This park was established to protect the many elephants that live in this area. Look and listen carefully to the guide, who knows this habitat of the many animal species like the back of his hand.

We will travel to Cape St. Francis. This beautiful coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches. 

Take a walk through the dune landscape or on the white beach.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Addo Safari

Overnight: Cape St Francis Resort 
DAY 15: CAPE ST FRANCIS - TSITSIKAMMA - KNYSNA220 Km
Today we travel to the starting point of the famous Garden Route, a major tourist attraction in South Africa. The route is known for its lush forests, beautiful beaches, lagoons and spectacular cliffs. On the way we visit Tsitsikamma National Park where we take a walk to the hanging bridge over the Storms River.

In the afternoon we arrive in the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay.

If you have not visited Soweto at the beginning of the trip – or perhaps want to see a second township – you can visit the township of Qolweni Community near Plettenberg Bay today (optional excursion).

Whale lovers are undoubtedly feeling jitters. Today you can also join a boat excursion in search of whales (optional excursion). This is possible from July to November (whale season) and if the weather permits.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Tsitsikamma National Park

Overnight: Graywood Hotel / Lagoona Inn

Optional Excursion: Township   

DAY 16: KNYSNA - PLETTENBERG BAY - KNYSNA 100 Km
You have all day to enjoy the pleasant town of Knysna. Stroll along the Waterfront, order a drink on one of the cozy terraces, view the many shops and small streets, and experience the relaxed atmosphere that prevails here.

Are you looking for action? Then the excursion to the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve is just the thing for you. Travel by boat to the westernmost cliff and then 4WD up to the top for spectacular views of the ocean, lagoon and Knysna. The guide will tell you everything about this private reserve.

In the afternoon you can take a boat trip to the 'Knysna Heads', two sandstone cliffs that protect the lagoon (optional excursion). On board you can enjoy a tapas menu with fresh oysters, local beer and sparkling wine at an additional cost. During sunset this is a perfect end to the day.

Mealplan: Breakfast,

Overnight: Graywood Hotel / Lagoona Inn

Optional Excursion: Whale watching Plettenberg Bay (July to November) / Featherbed Private Nature Reserve, Boat trip Knysna lagoon

DAY 17: KNYSNA - OUDTSHOORN150 Km
After breakfast we are on our way again. Via the relatively modern mountain pass Outeniqua we travel towards Oudtshoorn, '”The ostrich capital” of South Africa. Along the way we stop to admire the view: if it is not too foggy, you can overlook the mountain landscape and a large part of the coastline from the viewpoint “4 Passes”.

As soon as we drive inland you will see the many hundreds of ostriches popping up in the landscape. In Oudtshoorn we will of course visit an ostrich farm where you will receive an explanation about these interesting animals.

After this we make a stop at the impressive Cango Caves, one of the most beautiful cave systems in the world. In the caves you will see fairytale stalactites. Some of the sandstone formations are even colorfully lit. The largest 'room' of the Cango caves has an area of no less than 4500 square meters and is eighteen meters high. Relax in the afternoon and fill in the rest of your day yourself.

Mealplan: Breakfast, Ostrich Show farm, Cango Caves

Overnight: Swartberg Manor / Queens Hotel   

DAY 18: OUDTSHOORN - HERMANUS460 Km
We will travel through the Little Karoo and follow part of the well-known Route 62 tourist route. We will make a stop in the Huis River Pass for the Cape Folded Mountains and at the very famous Ronnie's Sex Shop. 

We will cross the Langeberg Mountains via the beautiful Tradouws Pass. We will have lunch in the picturesque town of Swellendam - third oldest town in South Africa.

We will travel to the coast to reach Hermanus. Hermanus has become synonymous with Whale watching. (Seasonal - May to October).

Mealplan:  Breakfast  

Overnight:  Windsor Hotel 

DAG 19: HERMANUS - STELLENBOSCH - CAPE TOWN250 Km
We will follow the beautiful Clarence Drive along the coast to Stellenbosch, the second oldest city in South Africa, which was founded by the V.O.C.. Stellenbosch is the capital of the Winelands. A small town with a great history. You will see beautifully maintained ornate Cape Dutch houses with thatched roofs and stepped gables, cozy shops and small terraces. We take a short city walk here, during which we of course also visit the famous 'Oom Samie se Winkel'.

During our day trip we explore no fewer than three world-famous wine regions: Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. This is where the most popular South African wine varieties come from. From classics such as Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to the unique red Pinotage. Of course, we'll also stop at a local wine cellar along the way – you'll probably enjoy tasting some of the sunny flavours for yourself. The rolling Cape landscape and the charming historic places we visit are just as overwhelming. We also visit charming Franschhoek, with its important vineyards and culinary hotspots. Franschhoek refers to the French Protestants (Huguenots) who settled here from the 17th century - a good explanation for the French names of local vineyards, such as La Motte.

We will travel to Cape Town, the final destination of our journey. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The road to get there is already special - it gives a special feeling when you see Table Mountain rising in the landscape. 

Mealplan:  Breakfast, Wine tasting

Overnight: Aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites / Fountains Hotel

DAY 20: CAPE PENINSULA TOUR220 Km
We leave Cape Town for a nice day trip to Cape Point, along beautiful bays and imposing cliffs.

Our final destination is Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula. We first drive to the port of Hout Bay, where we visit Seal Island by boat. This large seal colony is home not only to hundreds of Cape fur seals, but also to great white sharks that swim in the waters surrounding the small island.

We then take a scenic drive south on Chapman's Peak Drive. Along the way, enjoy one of the most dramatic coastal roads in the world. In the right season, dolphins and whales can be spotted!

We will visit the Cape of Good Hope National Park, where the famous Cape Point is also located. We take a strenuous walk towards our reward: a fascinatingly beautiful view! You are literally on the most southern-westerly tip of the African continent.

We will travel to Simon's Town where we visit the famous Boulders Beach. This is one of the most visited beaches in Cape Town, because a penguin colony can be admired up close. A nice sensation to see these small animals up close on a snow-white beach.

Via the other side of the peninsula we drive leisurely back to Cape Town, where we can continue to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, restaurants and terraces at the end of the afternoon.

Mealplan:  Breakfast, Day trip Cape of Good Hope, Seal Island boat trip, Penguin colony (Boulders Beach)

Overnight: Aha Harbor Bridge Hotel & Suites / Fountains Hotel
DAY 21: CAPE TOWN   20 Km
Today a wonderful day off in Cape Town. What a lot this city has to offer! Take a walk through the old town and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and charming old buildings along the Green Market Square. Do you like shopping? The Waterfront is a Valhalla for shopaholics. There is also a wide range of good restaurants in this historic heart of the port. You can also hop on the signature 'hop on hop off' bus to see Cape Town's main attractions!

If you find it interesting to visit Robben Island, where Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned for years, it is possible today - or possibly tomorrow - (optional excursion). A boat takes you from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront to the famous Prison Island. An impressive excursion, which is still accompanied by former prisoners.

Mealplan:  Breakfast,

Overnight: Aha Harbor Bridge Hotel & Suites / Fountains Hotel  

DAY 22: CAPE TOWN 40 Km
Your last day in South Africa! You have an evening flight back, so you can still fully enjoy the wonderful Cape Town. Spend your morning and afternoon according to your own wishes. There is plenty of time to get to the top of Table Mountain. You can also visit the Waterfront to stock up on the latest souvenirs. Or just stroll around and take a few last photos.

In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your return flight home.  

 

 

  DAY 23: ARRIVAL BACK HOME 
  

    

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Soweto
  • Pretoria
  • Voortrekker Monument
  • Kruger National Park
  • Panorama Route
  • Hazyviewe
  • Swatini
  • Mlilwane
  • Kwazulu Natal
  • Hluhluwe National Park
  • St Lucia
  • iSimangaliso National Park
  • Howick
  • Mandela Capture Site
  • Howick Waterfall
  • Drakensberg
  • Sani Pas
  • Transkei (Eastern Cape)
  • Inkwenkwesi
  • Addo National Park
  • Cape St Francis
  • Garden Route
  • Tsitsikamma National Park
  • Plettenberg Bay
  • Knysna
  • Oudtshoorn
  • Ostrich Show Farm
  • Cango Caves
  • Little Karoo
  • Route 62
  • Swellendam
  • Hermanus
  • Stellenbosch
  • Franschhoek
  • Paarl
  • Winelands
  • Cape Town
  • Cape of Good Hope
  • Penguins
  • Robben Island

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INCLUSIVE:


  • Accommodation, meals and activities as per itinerary.
  • Entrance fees
  • All excursions as indicated
  • Porterage
  • Luxury transport
  • All International flight

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EXCLUSIVE:


  • Visums 
  • Meals and drinks not stipulated
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional excursions

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HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:


  

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